No cakewalk as Federer wins opening Miami match

Tennis: Miami Open

Mar 25, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a forehand against Frances Tiafoe of the United States (not pictured) on day five of the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Federer won 7-6(2), 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Roger Federer continued his impressive 2017 campaign with a straight-sets, second-round victory at the Miami Open in Florida on Saturday.

But it was far from a cakewalk for Federer, who came within two points of losing the first set before breaking twice in the second for a 7-6(2) 6-3 triumph over American teenager Frances Tiafoe.

Next up for Federer is Juan Martin del Potro, who beat Dutchman Robin Haase 6-2 6-4 in a night match at Crandon Park.

Federer has a 15-5 career record against del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion.

"I would love to play against (del Potro)," Federer said, speaking before knowing who his next opponent would be. "We've had some epic matches against each other. I'm sure the crowd would love to see it."

Tiafoe provided a good competitive workout for the 35-year-old Swiss maestro in his first match since he won the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Tiafoe broke in the first game of the second set, but fourth seed Federer broke straight back with a sizzling backhand winner and another break was all he needed to clinch his 1094th career victory at tour level.

Tiafoe, ranked 101st in the world, has only four career victories, but he showed enough to suggest he will add to that number sooner rather than later.

Federer could be on course for a semi-final showdown with compatriot Stan Wawrinka, less than two weeks after they met in the Indian Wells final.